Three overlooked guys that are set to make BIG impact in 2025...

[tynimiller]

Every year during this dead time before TC we all anxiously await the season and with that a flood of thoughts occurring. One thought for me was who are the overlooked guys that are setting themselves up to be a big part for the Packers having a special 2025 season.

First two to not make cut (no explanation) - Luke Musgrave & Sean Rhyan

#3 - Marshawn Lloyd
Josh Jacobs is one of the best in the game, Wilson did an excellent job as second fiddle last year but a healthy Lloyd is simply a massive upgrade in the juice category compared to Wilson. Green Bay was one of the most run heavy teams last year (now Love's health was BIG reason), and I suspect we are still one of the more run heavy teams - so look for Lloyd to get used often, he is dynamic and everyone saw it before his early injury - he was clearly the second most gifted RB on the team.

#2 - Carrington Valentine
All this young man has done is deliver more than expectations. His rookie year he stepped in and started 12 games for us, and legit held his own...2024 he continued to build on that, when targeted QB's only have a 80.1 passer rating - while in the final 8 games he amassed 22 tackles, 4 PDs, 2 INTs and 2 FFs - that is DB#1 type production. Across those two years, the young man has only given up 1 TD - despite at times having been the targeted DB it seemed by opponents...not to mention he has one of the best yards per coverage snap given up for DBs with similar snap counts...so when he does give up completion they haven't been for big chunks. Everyone is pointing to Hobbs and Nixon as the answer for Jaire's departure...and I'm clueless as to why. The guy with the most proven outside CB snaps, and highly graded games there - is Carrington NOT Hobbs or Nixon. Hobbs is best in the slot, and Carrington continuing to be solid outside makes our defense better because it allows Hobbs to roam inside and/or outside. I personally not only believe Carrington is going to be a starting outside CB for us, but I suspect he will be the clear CB1 by the end of the season.

#1 - Brenton Cox
Pass rush as a team wasn't abysmal but it was definitely more of a by committee approach. Cox however was a phenomenal pressure/sack generator in limited snaps down the stretch. He played just 7 games in the regular season down the stretch (missing the last game and playoffs though) with an incredible run of production. In those seven games he put up per PFF 17 total pressures which was 4 sacks, 3 QB Hits, 10 hurries...this young man obliterated everyone else with a higher snaps to sacks having a sack once every 40 snaps...the next closest guy was Wyatt needing 72 and Gary needed 85. IF Cox can be that productive for us over an entire year - he'll be pushing for the most snaps off the edge on the team, that is how high level he produced...he needs to get stronger at run defense, but in truth if he is as massively productive in pass rush sets, you can overlook some struggles elsewhere.

 

[El Guapo]

I guess my hot take is that the only player here that can possibly be "overlooked" is Lloyd. Everyone else we've looked at, had a sniff, and am more just waiting to see if they can be anything more than just another guy. Musgrave and Cox could be great. Valentine could be a solid Sam Shields type of starter.

Lloyd is overlooked because we really don't know much about him yet, and is somewhat forgotten by an injury-riddled season.

I hope that they all turn into superstars this season. Most likely though, one of them will turn the corner into a solid starter and the rest will fade away.

 

[tynimiller]

I guess my hot take is that the only player here that can possibly be "overlooked" is Lloyd. Everyone else we've looked at, had a sniff, and am more just waiting to see if they can be anything more than just another guy. Musgrave and Cox could be great. Valentine could be a solid Sam Shields type of starter.

Lloyd is overlooked because we really don't know much about him yet, and is somewhat forgotten by an injury-riddled season.

I hope that they all turn into superstars this season. Most likely though, one of them will turn the corner into a solid starter and the rest will fade away.

The overlooked aspect is most folks aren't talking about these guys - granted those of us fully aware of roster structure, MLF tendencies and such know these three but for the life of me it seems even our general fan base doesn't.

Musgrave really and truly I think could be the MASSIVE x-factor to this offense. Imagine if he can stay healthy and add insane juice to the 12 personnel??? The options to do with that is insane!

 

[Voyageur]

Every year during this dead time before TC we all anxiously await the season and with that a flood of thoughts occurring. One thought for me was who are the overlooked guys that are setting themselves up to be a big part for the Packers having a special 2025 season.

First two to not make cut (no explanation) - Luke Musgrave & Sean Rhyan

#3 - Marshawn Lloyd
Josh Jacobs is one of the best in the game, Wilson did an excellent job as second fiddle last year but a healthy Lloyd is simply a massive upgrade in the juice category compared to Wilson. Green Bay was one of the most run heavy teams last year (now Love's health was BIG reason), and I suspect we are still one of the more run heavy teams - so look for Lloyd to get used often, he is dynamic and everyone saw it before his early injury - he was clearly the second most gifted RB on the team.

#2 - Carrington Valentine
All this young man has done is deliver more than expectations. His rookie year he stepped in and started 12 games for us, and legit held his own...2024 he continued to build on that, when targeted QB's only have a 80.1 passer rating - while in the final 8 games he amassed 22 tackles, 4 PDs, 2 INTs and 2 FFs - that is DB#1 type production. Across those two years, the young man has only given up 1 TD - despite at times having been the targeted DB it seemed by opponents...not to mention he has one of the best yards per coverage snap given up for DBs with similar snap counts...so when he does give up completion they haven't been for big chunks. Everyone is pointing to Hobbs and Nixon as the answer for Jaire's departure...and I'm clueless as to why. The guy with the most proven outside CB snaps, and highly graded games there - is Carrington NOT Hobbs or Nixon. Hobbs is best in the slot, and Carrington continuing to be solid outside makes our defense better because it allows Hobbs to roam inside and/or outside. I personally not only believe Carrington is going to be a starting outside CB for us, but I suspect he will be the clear CB1 by the end of the season.

#1 - Brenton Cox
Pass rush as a team wasn't abysmal but it was definitely more of a by committee approach. Cox however was a phenomenal pressure/sack generator in limited snaps down the stretch. He played just 7 games in the regular season down the stretch (missing the last game and playoffs though) with an incredible run of production. In those seven games he put up per PFF 17 total pressures which was 4 sacks, 3 QB Hits, 10 hurries...this young man obliterated everyone else with a higher snaps to sacks having a sack once every 40 snaps...the next closest guy was Wyatt needing 72 and Gary needed 85. IF Cox can be that productive for us over an entire year - he'll be pushing for the most snaps off the edge on the team, that is how high level he produced...he needs to get stronger at run defense, but in truth if he is as massively productive in pass rush sets, you can overlook some struggles elsewhere.

True. I think they're lost in the shuffle. There are so many scenarios based on potential and question marks at a large number of positions and they overshadow these players.

My thoughts.

Lloyd is going to be mediocre this year. I think he needs a year to get back to full strength. He might be on a play count early on and the Packers do have a solid stable of RBs so that helps. Next year Lloyd could be a real threat out there.

I think Valentine deserves the benefit of the doubt at CB. He showed a lot of improvement over last year and until someone proves they're better I don't see them beating him out. The problem is, Hobbs is coming in as a FA and that does make somewhat of a difference. In the end, I think the guy bumped down to 2nd team in rotation will be Nixon. Hobbs & Valentine could be a solid combo.

I think Cox is a real threat when it comes to blitz packages. He's quick, strong, and finds ways into the backfield. Even when he doesn't get the tackle he's forcing passes out a little earlier. Sometimes they don't translate into a hurry but they're pretty darned close. I'm not sold on his conventional play though. He has a tendency to take poor angles on tackles and takes a little longer to diagnose plays than I'd like to see. It kind of puts him a half step behind on plays. When it comes to the pass rush he doesn't have to think just does his job. He needs a lot of work before I'd trust him for outside containment. Still, that pass rush gives him a lot of opportunities out there.

 

[gopkrs]

I've got high hopes for Lloyd. He should be over all injuries by now. I like that he is not tall but is still in the 220 range. He's fast and is supposed to be able to catch the ball well.

 

[tynimiller]

True. I think they're lost in the shuffle. There are so many scenarios based on potential and question marks at a large number of positions and they overshadow these players.

My thoughts.

Lloyd is going to be mediocre this year. I think he needs a year to get back to full strength. He might be on a play count early on and the Packers do have a solid stable of RBs so that helps. Next year Lloyd could be a real threat out there.

I think Valentine deserves the benefit of the doubt at CB. He showed a lot of improvement over last year and until someone proves they're better I don't see them beating him out. The problem is, Hobbs is coming in as a FA and that does make somewhat of a difference. In the end, I think the guy bumped down to 2nd team in rotation will be Nixon. Hobbs & Valentine could be a solid combo.

I think Cox is a real threat when it comes to blitz packages. He's quick, strong, and finds ways into the backfield. Even when he doesn't get the tackle he's forcing passes out a little earlier. Sometimes they don't translate into a hurry but they're pretty darned close. I'm not sold on his conventional play though. He has a tendency to take poor angles on tackles and takes a little longer to diagnose plays than I'd like to see. It kind of puts him a half step behind on plays. When it comes to the pass rush he doesn't have to think just does his job. He needs a lot of work before I'd trust him for outside containment. Still, that pass rush gives him a lot of opportunities out there.

Cox to a “T” he right now is DEADLY pass rush set guy…if he game can grow to a more complete guy dude could be INSANELY good.

 

[OldSchool101]

Well said.

Whats propelling much of our optimism is legitimate fact. Across the history of the NFL it’s proven fact that the players who made the biggest improvements by and large were not in a Rookie season. The Rookie award symbolizes how rare it is for a player to just be a +Starter in year 1. On the flip side, having too many aging veteran players isn’t the answer either.

Everything Starts at QB and OL imo. Year 3 as a Starter (and beyond) is really where things start clicking imo.
QB Love 3rd season “as Starter”
RT Tom 3rd-4th season (did start at LT for a minute early on) “as starter”
LT Walker 3rd Season “as Starter”
RG Rhyan 3rd season “ “
LG Banks 4th season “as starter”
OL Jenkins 7th season “ “
TE Kraft “3rd season” as starter
WR Watson “4th season”
TE Musgrave “2nd-3rd season”
WR Doubs “4th season” starter
WR Reed “3rd season”
WR Wicks 3rd season “as starter”


I rarely disagree with Brian, but he recently said we were young but experienced last season. It’s possible he misinterpreted the reporters question as a negative slight about our Offense being “young”. I don’t think it was necessarily presented that way as it is a fact that many players were 2nd or 3rd year starters and the reporter was actually bragging imo. I’d 100% call the 2024 Offense very young and still relatively inexperienced. Now the good part is many were thrown onto the stage near immediately so they are morphing into true veterans.

This is the first year since Rodgers left that I feel very comfortable saying we’re more leveling off into “experienced”. The only Offensive player that’s likely to see substantial time that’s not a 3-4 year starter is Matthew Golden and maybe maybe Belton if things sour with Jenkins. Everyone else is rotational level.

The GB Offense is now entering into peak area imo. It’s mixing experience with the ideal age for player performance

 

[OldSchool101]

Then we have some unknowns. Yet not really completely because of the athletic profiles being so intriguing. Lloyd, Golden, Savion any of these guys could be thrust into a more significant role before the conclusion of the 2025 season.

This is where the general media underestimates GB imo. it’s the injection of guys that WERE NOT drafted in 2025 spotlight that could actually pop. Like Lloyd, Musgrave (he really only played a small portion of 2024 healthy) and Morgan and I suppose you could throw in a Valentine or Cox Jr. That in itself is some legit star potential being thrust into the limelight. Plus lots of players at various positions entering that year 3-4 (ideal) areas. We’re going to see several players Pop and I’m pretty confident of that. We’ve drafted too many Day1-2 players with trade equity from Davante and Rodgers or Rasul. Those bonus players are the fruits of Brian working trade deals, we just had to wait for the Wyatt types to blossom.

I think it’s with the growth of players where we see the most improvement, not the flash of the 2025 Draft (not to say a drafted player or 2 won’t impress).

 

[El Guapo]

Yet the reality of it all, is that in the end, very few of the players that have the potential ever do pop. That's why they are largely overlooked. It's historically for good reason.

 

[tynimiller]

Yet the reality of it all, is that in the end, very few of the players that have the potential ever do pop. That's why they are largely overlooked. It's historically for good reason.

I think it depends on what you mean by pop though?

To be fair if Lloyd provides solid say 600 yards of all purpose yards but continually delivers when giving Jacobs a break that would be massive.

If Cox provides say 35 to 40 % of defensive snaps and continues to deliver a high production rate that’s awesome…he doesn’t have to be all pro level or even the starter by the years end.

 

[lambeaulambo]

TJ Watt getting traded to Green Bay is being overlooked!! lol

 

[OldSchool101]

TJ Watt getting traded to Green Bay is being overlooked!! lol

One side of me would love it for the trying to replicate the Reggie White FA move, which propelled our D to the next level.
My gut tells me this is a poor decision from a cost standpoint. Not just the high echelon monetary impact, which would likely involve us not being to resign a player or two, but we’d send someone packing who hasn’t reached their top potential.

Lastly the most recent reports are he’s staying in Pittsburgh and they are one of several teams with the financial backing to give him a big deal.

 

[tynimiller]

TJ Watt getting traded to Green Bay is being overlooked!! lol

LOL....just for those reading all the rumors.....the fiscal THIN ICE such a move would put us on would be incredible....and to be honest I think a move like that, while a thing for sure many would want and lot of good in what you're getting...I think many don't think of the cost of what it might mean in some unwanted categories...

- Pittsburgh is going to want a prospect back in the package and sure while you might be able to up the draft capital and lesson the player lost to say a Enagbare and a 1st rounder in 2026 something tells me IF this trade happened a player in return is going to be LVN or even Gary perhaps....they could even desire to add one of our young WRs (Doubs or Wicks jump to mind)

- I would bet any package is taking at worst our 2026 second rounder...high draft capital is high draft capital.

- Fiscally, it would be INCREDIBLY tight this year, could loosen this some with a Jenkins restructure but that's about it.....this would likely also cost us an extension or two we otherwise would do - that could be a Zach Tom and Christian Watson...or any pairing that carrying Watt (who you aren't trading for without knowing extension number he wants and will get).

- Speaking fiscally...in all honesty Gary is likely in his last season with you if you sign Watt to the incredible number he will want...so...if that is the case are we better swapping Gary for Watt....the difference in future contracted years of Gary vs Watt can be measured in the $10-$20M a year difference possibly depending on Watt extension structure.

 

[Voyageur]

LOL....just for those reading all the rumors.....the fiscal THIN ICE such a move would put us on would be incredible....and to be honest I think a move like that, while a thing for sure many would want and lot of good in what you're getting...I think many don't think of the cost of what it might mean in some unwanted categories...

- Pittsburgh is going to want a prospect back in the package and sure while you might be able to up the draft capital and lesson the player lost to say a Enagbare and a 1st rounder in 2026 something tells me IF this trade happened a player in return is going to be LVN or even Gary perhaps....they could even desire to add one of our young WRs (Doubs or Wicks jump to mind)

- I would bet any package is taking at worst our 2026 second rounder...high draft capital is high draft capital.

- Fiscally, it would be INCREDIBLY tight this year, could loosen this some with a Jenkins restructure but that's about it.....this would likely also cost us an extension or two we otherwise would do - that could be a Zach Tom and Christian Watson...or any pairing that carrying Watt (who you aren't trading for without knowing extension number he wants and will get).

- Speaking fiscally...in all honesty Gary is likely in his last season with you if you sign Watt to the incredible number he will want...so...if that is the case are we better swapping Gary for Watt....the difference in future contracted years of Gary vs Watt can be measured in the $10-$20M a year difference possibly depending on Watt extension structure.

The residual effect of an action often overlooked by people. Sometimes people don't see things with their best peripheral vision.

 

[OldSchool101]

I legitimately think we’ve got 2 players on board that can achieve 20 sacks combined. If they play to potential.

 

[OldSchool101]

My favorite to pick is Brenton Cox Jr. He’s that guy that showed bursts of potential starting at Georgia and culminating into good disrupter at Florida.
Imo him finishing up in October and missing the finish to the 2022 season at Florida kept him under radar. Once again in limited time he posted a 26% TFL rate which matched his college career. His 37% TFL rate across a full 2021 season (that also logged 8.5 Sacks) is closer to his true identity imo
37% converted to a Pro player is Aaron Donald etc. Not saying he’s that, but that’s what we’re talking about if the conversion held.

So now let peak closer. In 7 games he logged 42% TFL in 2024 just to display his ability to disruptive feel. While I agree, it was limited snaps, it’s 100% displays his potential as a superior TFL guy at the NFL level. 4 Sacks across 7 contests isn’t too shabby either. This is a guy I predict should be Preston Smith level In the Pass Rush with similar ceiling at disruption in that peak Preston Smith range. Not a world beater, but absolutely 100% a playoff caliber rotational guy.

Undrafted = Under-appreciated. Get him into that primary rotational 300-400 snaps and I think his floor is 5-6 Sacks, 8-10TFL area. Ceiling is tougher as the snaps increase the efficiency likely wanes some. 8-12 Sacks 12+ TFL isn’t out of question at all. His over/under should be ~8 Sacks imo or very Preston(ish). I’m just using Smith comparatively because everyone in here has a good feel for his play level.

Cox Jr would be in my top 3 choices if I had to select 3 guys who could produce a 2-man tandem reaching ~20 Sacks area.

 

[tynimiller]

Cox will play as far as his ability grows in his non-pure pass rush snaps. Even as a purely pass rush specialist immense value there, but if he wants to see the field more that is the only thing holding him back.

 

[OldSchool101]

Cox will play as far as his ability grows in his non-pure pass rush snaps. Even as a purely pass rush specialist immense value there, but if he wants to see the field more that is the only thing holding him back.

That’s where Preston excelled more as a well rounded Edge Setter. Obviously his length really helped him also there. He would set guys up with his straight arm, then he had a good arm shed and could disengage with the best of them. He wasn’t a speed demon but he used power to speed converted to short area quickness and was equipped to wrap up and finish a play.

Now I don’t pretend to say Cox is Preston. He just seems to be a slightly smaller 250lb X 6’3 3/4” X 33 1/4 arms version of 270lb 6’4 3/4 34” arms. Both logged impressive 1.6 vs 1.62 10yd splits that displays both possess short area burst. Preston still wins in the over all athletic profile.

I think Cox can continue to refine his craft and produce similar Sack totals to Preston though. I’m not afraid to say that. Obviously Preston had the size advantage and it helped in the Run game.

Cox Jr. is deserving of uptick in snap count. Brenton was getting around 20 snaps per game most games starting week 11, 2024. He needs around 25-35 snaps imo.

 

[OldSchool101]

Another player that could really provide a spark is Colin Oliver. It’s a coin flip for me because he is on the smaller side and if he flips to LB he might need time to adjust and perfect his craft, so he’s hard to predict in a Rookie season. Although if someone goes down I’d think Oliver is athletic enough to produce early on. His speed and disruptive ability aligns with a smaller, faster version of Cox.

 

[Voyageur]

Another player that could really provide a spark is Colin Oliver. It’s a coin flip for me because he is on the smaller side and if he flips to LB he might need time to adjust and perfect his craft, so he’s hard to predict in a Rookie season. Although if someone goes down I’d think Oliver is athletic enough to produce early on. His speed and disruptive ability aligns with a smaller, faster version of Cox.

Oliver is quick for his size. He's really a linebacker. If he has the tools, he might fit in as a depth piece in the middle. Until we see what he does in competition it's hard to say what might be his potential.

But the fact that they took him in the 5th round tells me they had some belief in him, or it wouldn't have happened. We needed the LB help.

 

[OldSchool101]

Oliver is quick for his size. He's really a linebacker. If he has the tools, he might fit in as a depth piece in the middle. Until we see what he does in competition it's hard to say what might be his potential.

But the fact that they took him in the 5th round tells me they had some belief in him, or it wouldn't have happened. We needed the LB help.

Yes. It’s likely year 1 he’s going to need to prove himself on Teams and might get some mop up duty at LB.

If Colin hones in on his exceptional TFL ability and makes several big Stops, it wouldn’t shock me to see him get some moderate Defensive rotational snaps as a Rookie.

 

[Voyageur]

This could be a year where Hopper and Cooper begin showing a lot more of the skills that made them draft picks. If one, or either can make a big step up that would solidify some needs in the linebacking corps. Based on the draft, and personnel the Packers have on the roster, there's a lot of believers in both of them.

It's extremely difficult figuring out how much players will advance between years one and two, and two and three, but coaches realize that they only have two choices. Find a role for the player or stick them at the end of the bench until you can release them and find suitable replacements. These two could actually be major sleepers at this point. You almost get the impression that's what Hafely and the defensive coaches are thinking.

 

[gopkrs]

IMO Cooper is already that guy.

 

[tynimiller]

IMO Cooper is already that guy.

I’m hesitantly there as well as we’ve been there before, most recently Stokes looked rookie year to be a guy that with growth would be incredible…now sure different cuz injuries stole his ability IMO but still…Cooper looked incredible as a rookie and like he already belonged.

 

[OldSchool101]

Something else that was maybe a little unusual. When Brian was asked recently about us being in a “Win Now” mode. He dismissed that and said he didn’t subscribe to that thinking. He said he’s always in a Win Now mentality. I can appreciate that and I know it sounds good and it’s a great attitude. That said there are absolutely positively seasons that we are more equipped to go the distance.

More recently he flipped script and said something to the effect that we “need a greater sense of urgency”. IMO he knows that across the next 1-2 seasons we have an elevated level of talent. Much of that was we gained multiple draft selections across 3 seasons for trading players away. In real time it’s like having 4 extra Top #88 draft picks all working on low to moderate rookie money.
Just in the last couple of years we accumulated draft picks that morphed into Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, Marshawn Lloyd and Jayden Reed as “bonus” additions for crafty bartering. It’s rare to be playoff relevant and still be choosing FIVE Day1-2 selections in 1 draft.